The Most Disappointing Video Games of 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.

Loretta Reid
Loretta Reid

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on society.